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Motivated Quote by Dexter Palmer

“I’m very self-motivated,” she’d state with an assertiveness that she didn’t quite feel in her gut, and the HR guy would look down at the paper in front of him and then back up at her blankly, as if to say, No, that’s not today’s password. Then she’d follow with something like “I’m also committed…” quote by Dexter Palmer
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““I’m very self-motivated,” she’d state with an assertiveness that she didn’t quite feel in her gut, and the HR guy would look down at the paper in front of him and then back up at her blankly, as if to say, No, that’s not today’s password. Then she’d follow with something like “I’m also committed to life-long learning,” and the response would be dead silence. A few days later, she’d get a no-reply e-mail expressing perfunctory pro forma regret, telling her the spot had been filled and wishing her the best of luck.)””

Dexter Palmer

About This Quote

Source Novel: Version Control by Dexter Palmer, 2016

A candidate’s confident self‑praise can be dismissed when it feels inauthentic, leading to a polite rejection.

In simple terms: Overconfidence can backfire if not genuine.

Key Takeaway

Be authentic, not just assertive.

Themes

authenticity communication rejection career confidence

Mood

uncertain reflective

Type

advice observational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • job interview
  • performance review
  • networking
  • self‑branding

Key Concepts

self‑presentation impression management organizational behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you convey confidence without sounding rehearsed?
  • What evidence supports your self‑assessment?
A Different Perspective

If the claim feels forced, listeners may distrust it.

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